UV index for Charleston peaks at UV 5 at 13:00 local time. Data as of (America/New_York). Values update hourly — see this page for the current reading and hourly forecast.

uvi·today

UV Index in Charleston

Live UV index for Charleston, United States — current level, hourly UV forecast, peak times, WHO sun protection advice and a 5-day outlook. Now: UV 2 (Low). Peak today: UV 5 at 13:00.

Now · 10:00 · Charleston
2
Low
0–2Low3–5Moderate6–7High8–10Very High11+Extreme

Sun protection needed today: 11:00–16:00

Protection guidelines:

Now · 10:00 — UV 2 · Low · Clear sky: 3

  • No protection needed
  • You can safely enjoy being outside
Values are forecasts from the European CAMS model (Copernicus), not measurements from a sensor in Charleston. WHO · Methodology
Today's UV overview · Thu, Oct 8
1
9Overcast19°86%2
2
10Overcast21°84%2
4
11Overcast23°74%2
5
12Overcast24°70%2
5
13Overcast25°65%2
4
14Overcast26°64%2
3
15Overcast26°62%1
2
16Overcast26°65%2
1
17Overcast25°69%2
% HumidityWind m/s
Max today
5at 13:00
Max tomorrow
3at 12:00
Daylight today
11h 37m07:18–18:55
Solar noon
13:07

Sun & moon in Charleston

Sun height31°
Sun directionSE 123°
Sky stateDaylight
-90°-60°-30°0°30°60°90°00:0006:0012:0018:0024:00Now 31°

The curve traces the sun's height above the horizon through the day: 0° is the horizon, 90° is straight overhead. The higher the sun climbs, the shorter the path its rays take through the atmosphere — and the stronger the UV. The part below 0° is night.

Sunrise / sunset directionE 97° / W 263°
Civil twilight06:54–07:18 / 18:55–19:19
Nautical twilight06:25–06:54 / 19:19–19:48
Astronomical twilight05:56–06:25 / 19:48–20:16
Moon phaseWaning crescent · 5%
Moonrise / moonset05:13 / 17:44
Next moon quarterNew moon · Oct 10, 11:50

Detailed hourly UV index — Today, Oct 8

Peak UV 5.1 at 13:00 · Charleston · Local time (EDT)

The solid line is the hourly UV forecast: the UV index expected each hour, with cloud cover taken into account. The dashed line is the clear-sky UV, the level it would reach under a cloudless sky. The gap between the two lines shows how much the clouds are lowering the UV.

0246Max: 5Now: 26:0018°9:0019°12:0024°15:0026°18:0024°21:0022°
ForecastClear sky

Detailed hourly UV index — Tomorrow, Oct 9

Peak UV 2.6 at 12:00 · Charleston · Local time (EDT)

0246Max: 36:0020°9:0021°12:0025°15:0026°18:0024°21:0023°
ForecastClear sky
Hour-by-hour UV index for today & tomorrow

Detailed hour-by-hour UV index forecast for Charleston — today and tomorrow. Includes UV level, clear-sky UV, weather conditions, and temperature for each hour.

Today — Oct 8

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast18°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast18°
07:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast18°
08:000.2 – Low0.2Overcast18°
09:001.0 – Low1.1Overcast19°
10:002.3 – Low2.6Overcast21°
11:003.9 – Moderate4.5Overcast23°
12:005.0 – Moderate6.0Overcast24°
13:005.1 – Moderate6.5Overcast25°
14:004.3 – Moderate5.9Overcast26°
15:003.1 – Moderate4.4Overcast26°
16:001.8 – Low2.6Overcast26°
17:000.7 – Low1.0Overcast25°
18:000.2 – Low0.2Overcast24°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast22°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast22°

Tomorrow — Oct 9

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast20°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast20°
07:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast21°
08:000.2 – Low0.2Overcast21°
09:000.7 – Low1.0Overcast21°
10:001.6 – Low2.6Overcast23°
11:002.3 – Low4.4Overcast24°
12:002.6 – Moderate5.9Overcast25°
13:002.5 – Moderate6.5Overcast25°
14:002.0 – Low5.9Overcast26°
15:001.4 – Low4.4Overcast26°
16:000.9 – Low2.5Overcast26°
17:000.4 – Low1.0Overcast25°
18:000.1 – Low0.2Overcast24°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°

5-Day UV Forecast for Charleston

The 5-day UV index forecast shows each day's peak UV and the time it's reached, plus daily high and low temperatures and an hourly UV curve, so you can plan sun protection for the days ahead.

Today, Oct 8Peak UV 5 at 13:00Sun protection: 11:00–16:0026° / 18°
6Overcast18°9Overcast19°12Overcast24°15Overcast26°18Overcast24°
Friday, Oct 9Peak UV 3 at 12:00Sun protection: 12:00–14:0026° / 20°
6Overcast20°9Overcast21°12Overcast25°15Overcast26°18Overcast24°
Saturday, Oct 10Peak UV 2 at 12:0025° / 21°
6Drizzle22°9Light rain23°12Rain24°15Rain24°18Rain24°
Sunday, Oct 11Peak UV 4 at 14:00Sun protection: 12:00–16:0029° / 23°
6Dense drizzle25°9Overcast26°12Light drizzle28°15Clear sky28°18Mainly clear27°
Monday, Oct 12Peak UV 7 at 13:00Sun protection: 10:00–16:0028° / 19°
6Overcast19°9Clear sky21°12Clear sky26°15Clear sky28°18Clear sky27°

Peak midday UV by month in Charleston

It's October: on clear days, the midday sun here usually peaks around UV 4–7. That's strong enough that your skin needs protection in the middle of the day.

The sun is strong here all year round: even in the mildest months, midday UV reaches about 3, so protection is needed in every season. Treat these numbers as the most sun you should expect around noon: clouds typically lower the real value, while reflections from snow, sand or water can add to the UV your skin actually receives. Today's actual UV is in the forecast above.

368112–4Jan4–6Feb5–8Mar7–10Apr8–11May9–11Jun10–11Jul9–11Aug7–10Sep4–7Oct3–5Nov2–3Dec

Each bar shows the range the midday UV index moves through on clear days in that month, from the gentlest days up to what the strongest days typically reach, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). The small light line inside a bar is an ordinary day's midday level.

Based on TEMIS data. Copyright © KNMI/ESA — https://www.temis.nl/

In October the strong sun is in the southern hemisphere: UV reaches high levels across most of it, while the northern hemisphere outside the tropics has its mild season.

See the world map for October →

The UV year at a glance

Strongest sunMay–Aug · up to 11
Weakest sunDec · up to 3
Protection needed (UV 3+)all year
Extra protection (UV 8+)Mar–Sep

Months when the midday sun gets strong enough to need protection. Based on clear days; clouds typically lower UV.

See also: Charleston temperature and rainfall by month →

UV in Charleston: today, tomorrow and through the year

Right now Charleston is at UV 2 (low), with the day's high of 5 (moderate) due around 13:00, so sun protection pays off from 11:00 to 16:00. Patchy cloud is holding the peak down a little, against UV 7 under clear skies.UV backs down tomorrow, peaking near UV 3 (moderate) around 12:00, but the hours from 12:00 to 14:00 still call for protection.Across the year, October comes after the UV high in Charleston, and levels are easing back towards the quietest months.

About Charleston

The largest city in South Carolina, Charleston sits on a harbour where the Ashley and Cooper rivers reach the Atlantic on the state's coast, with around 150,000 residents and a metro of some 870,000. Its humid subtropical climate brings long, hot summers, and on clear-sky days from May to August the noon index reaches 11, the extreme band, with 8 or more from March through September. The water around the peninsula and the nearby beaches reflect extra radiation, and the sea breeze can mask the intensity, so staying shaded at midday and reapplying sunscreen matter through the warm season.

Sources:Wikipedia: Charleston, South CarolinaRadiation: The ultraviolet (UV) indexTEMIS UV index climatology, 2004–2020 (satellite-derived clear-sky)

Location, daylight and sky in Charleston

Key facts

CountryUnited States, South Carolina
TimezoneAmerica/New York (UTC-4)
Coordinates32.78° N, 79.93° W
Elevation6 m
Population≈ 133K
Air pressurebarometer.today

Sun & Daylight Hours in Charleston

Sunrise / sunset07:18 / 18:55
Daylight today11h 37m
Daylight tomorrow11h 35m (-2 min)
Solar noon (sun highest)13:07
Golden hour18:22–19:10
Low UV hours (UV < 3)07:00–11:00
16:00–18:00
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)11:00–16:00

Seasonal daylight range at this latitude

Longest day14h 19m (Jun 21)
Shortest day9h 59m (Dec 21)

Similar daylight hours as Dallas, United States — on the same parallel

UV index map for Charleston and nearby cities

This map shows the current UV forecast for Charleston and the area around it. One forecast value covers a region of roughly 40 km, so it is a good guide for the area as a whole rather than an exact reading for one spot. In places with big height differences, or where the ground is covered by snow, the real UV can differ from what the map shows.

Check UV in: Columbus · Palm Bay · Jacksonville · Orlando · Raleigh

Air quality concerns? Check air quality in Charleston on AirIndex.Today

What is the UV index in Charleston right now?

As of 10:00 local time, the UV index in Charleston is 2 (Low). UV changes hour by hour. See the hourly chart above for how it rises and falls today.

What is the UV index in Charleston today?

On 2026-10-08, the peak UV index forecast for Charleston is 5, expected around 13:00 local time. Check back daily: UV levels change with cloud cover, ozone, and sun angle.

What is the UV index in Charleston tomorrow?

On 2026-10-09, the UV index in Charleston is forecast to peak at 3 around 12:00 local time. Plan outdoor activities and sun protection around that peak.

What are typical maximum UV levels in Charleston by month?

Peak midday UV index in Charleston, month by month
MonthPeak midday UV
January2–4
February4–6
March5–8
April7–10
May8–11
June9–11
July10–11
August9–11
September7–10
October4–7
November3–5
December2–3
The weakest sun is in December, when midday UV stays around 2–3. From there it climbs: January (2–4), February (4–6), March (5–8), and April (7–10). The strongest sun is in May, June, July, and August, reaching 8–11 on clear days. It eases back through September (7–10), October (4–7), and November (3–5).Clear-sky range, 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). On cloudy days values are typically lower.

How strong is UV in Charleston in October?

In a typical October, the midday UV index in Charleston reaches 4–7 on clear days, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). Cloudy days typically run lower. Check the live forecast for today's value.

Which months have the highest UV in Charleston?

UV in Charleston is highest in May–August, when the midday index reaches up to 11 on clear days. The weakest sun is in December, around 2–3 at midday.

When do you need sun protection in Charleston?

All year round: midday UV in Charleston reaches 3 or higher (the WHO protection level) in every month. In March–September it can reach UV 8 or more, when the WHO advises extra protection: avoid the midday sun and cover up.

Forecast · UV Index

Now
UV 2.3 (Low)
Max today
UV 5.1 · 13:00
Max tomorrow
UV 2.6 · 12:00
Clear sky
UV 6.5
Sunrise / Sunset
07:18 / 18:55
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)
11:00–16:00
5-Day UV Forecast
Thu 5.1 · Fri 2.6 · Sat 1.8 · Sun 4.3 · Mon 7.2

UV guides

Read all guides →
About the UV Index

What is the UV index?

The UV index (UVI) is an international standard measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a particular place and time. It ranges from 0 (nighttime) to 11+ (extreme). Higher values mean greater risk of sunburn, skin damage, and eye injury. The UV index was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help people protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.

How do I check the UV index today?

This page shows the live UV index for your location using data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). You get the current UV level, an hourly UV forecast chart for today and tomorrow, and the exact peak UV time — so you always know when sun protection is most important.

When is UV radiation strongest?

UV radiation is typically strongest between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun is highest in the sky. However, the exact peak time and intensity depend on your latitude, the season, altitude, cloud cover, and ozone levels. Check the UV forecast chart above to see today's exact peak time for your location.

How can I protect myself from UV radiation?

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade during peak UV hours, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses. The WHO recommends sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above.

Where does the UV data come from?

The hourly UV index on this site comes from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), operated by ECMWF on behalf of the European Union. CAMS calculates the UV biologically effective dose using total column ozone, aerosol optical depth, and cloud cover. The global forecast has a spatial resolution of approximately 40 km and provides hourly UV index values for up to 5 days ahead.

What does "clear-sky UV index" mean?

The clear-sky UV index shows how strong ultraviolet radiation would be if there were no clouds at all. It is calculated using the same atmospheric data — ozone column thickness, aerosol concentrations, and solar angle — but assumes completely cloudless conditions. Comparing the actual UV index with the clear-sky value shows how much clouds are reducing UV exposure at any given time. On overcast days, actual UV can be significantly lower than the clear-sky value.

How often is the UV forecast updated?

The CAMS global UV forecast is updated twice daily, based on model runs initialized at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC. Weather data such as temperature, cloud cover, and sunrise/sunset times is updated every 1–6 hours depending on the region, using weather models from national meteorological services via Open-Meteo. The first 1–2 days of the forecast are typically the most accurate.

What does the WHO recommend for each UV level?

Low (0–2) — No protection needed. You can safely enjoy being outside
Moderate (3–5) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
High (6–7) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Very High (8–10) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must
Extreme (11+) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must

Source: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002

uvi·today

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. UV index data and sun protection guidance are approximate and should not replace professional advice. UV index data is not applicable to infants under 12 months. The WHO recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight at all times. WHO. UV forecasts are based on satellite and atmospheric models. Actual UV levels may vary due to local cloud cover, surface reflection, altitude, and other environmental factors. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider for personalized sun protection advice. UV and weather data is sourced from third-party APIs (Open-Meteo/CAMS). We do not guarantee accuracy or availability. Data may be delayed or temporarily unavailable.

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UV & weather data: Open-Meteo (CAMS/Copernicus) · Protection guidelines: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002 · Location data: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) · IP2Location LITE · Yr / NRK (CC BY 4.0) · Twemoji (CC BY 4.0)

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